Council on Aging (COA)

COA staff attended USAging’s Annual Conference and Tradeshow this past week to showcase some of COA’s innovative projects and initiatives that are improving quality of life for older adults. The conference is the country’s largest gathering of local leaders in aging well at home. Transportation Manager Bryan Black, participated in a panel discussion to share learnings and outcomes from home52 Transportation, a specialized transportation model developed by COA subsidiary, home52. Director of Govt. Relations Nan Cahall shared how COA, along with the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a), was a leader in a successful statewide social media advocacy campaign aimed at increasing wages for home care workers. Congrats to USAging on another successful conference and tradeshow!

Council on Aging is honored to be a partner of Hamilton County Government on its innovative 513Relief Bus. Along with other social services agency reps, a COA specialist is aboard the bus at many of its stops in the community, sharing information about programs and services for older adults and caregivers. We are also honored that this cooperative relationship was recognized by Inform USA with a 2024 Innovation Award! The award recognizes the innovative opportunity the 513Relief Bus provides COA and other partners in bringing services and resources directly to the people of Hamilton County. https://bit.ly/4eYHvXy

There are many older adults in our area who need assistance to remain independent in their homes and are waiting for a caring, compassionate person to provide that help. Could that be you? The Ohio Department of Aging’s Participant Directed Care program gives you the opportunity to be hired as an in-home caregiver for an older adult in certain COA programs. COA can guide you through the enrollment and certification process, direct you to training opportunities in the community and help match you with a client. Get all the details here: https://bit.ly/3Ryosce

The Duke Energy Foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary and Council on Aging is honored to have been selected to receive a $10,000 grant. As a long-standing partner of Duke Energy, we appreciate the organization’s commitment to helping us meet the needs of older adults in our community.

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. We are all born with the same human rights that should be enjoyed at every stage of our lives. When ageism - negative stereotypes based on prejudices about age - is directed at older people, it drives discrimination and the denial of our human rights as we age. Let’s end ageism and make our society more just. https://bit.ly/2IZ5TZJ #WEAAD

Dr. Karen Jones Bankston is a Professor Emerita; a leadership consultant; a retired hospital executive; and a former Associate Dean at the University of Cincinnati. She also lends her time and considerable knowledge and talents to COA, as the vice chair of our board of trustees. Learn more about Dr. Bankston in this profile: https://bit.ly/3Vk7vor

COA has embraced technology to help alleviate the homecare worker shortage. We developed AddnAide, an app that allows older adults in some of our programs to search for and match with those who are seeking work in the field. Blanche matched with Bonita through the app when she was searching for someone to help her with housekeeping. The professional relationship has been a great success, and the bonus is the friendship that has developed between the two. Read their story here: https://bit.ly/3yNI1XP

In our newsletter, you'll learn how COA partners in the community to support older adults and caregivers as well as tips to stay cool in upcoming warm weather, and much more. You can read your county-specific version and join our mailing list here: https://bit.ly/3DPdRCv

In 2023, COA helped 26,691 individuals remain independent in their homes. There are many stories behind the data, and it's all shared in our 2023 Impact Report and the 2023 Annual Reports for the 4 Elderly Services Programs COA administers. Access all of our 2023 reports here: https://bit.ly/3KlAthy

Not all nurses work in hospitals! Council on Aging is lucky to have 44 dedicated nurses as part of our team. Thanks to our nurses for their hard work and ongoing dedication to COA's mission!